Fuel shortages persist as RBZ deny reports

Most fuel stations in Bulawayo have run out of gas due to crippling cash shortages.

This has resulted in few stations that still have stocks to display three prices for diesel, petrol and paraffin.

Prices are pegged in US dollar, bond coins and plastic money.

The newly introduced bond notes are being rejected but a handful are accepting at a higher price.

However, according to state media reports, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mangudya allayed fears of fuel shortages.

"As previously advised by the Ministry of Energy and Power Development we have sufficient fuel within the economy.

" The Reserve Bank has arranged to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for motorists during the festive season," he is quoted saying.

However, petrol attendants say they had not stocked diesel for more than a week and were not sure when they would restock.

"We have not had diesel since Friday last week and we are not sure when we are going to restock. Maybe Monday (tomorrow) we are not certain," said a fuel attendant.